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Whale Watching Tours on Maui

There are 75 tours in this category that range in price from $14.98 to $3500.00.

Whale Watching Tours

Whales in Maui can be seen during the Maui Whale Watch season which runs from December 16th to May 15th.

If you book nothing else, seeing the Whales on Maui should be on your list!

Some Amazing facts about the Whales on Maui!

Humpback Whales swim to Maui from Alaska, spend the whole winter here, and then make the long journey back home leaving Maui in April and May.

The Humpback Whale has come for generations to this area between the islands of Maui County and spends its days here mating, giving birth and nursing their young.

Humpback Whales don't eat a thing during all the months they are away from Alaska.

Whale's' lungs are the size of a Volkswagen!

Whales' babies, born here on Maui, grow at a rate of 100 pounds a day!

Adult Humpback Whales lose about 25% of their body weight during this period.

Humpback Whales spend the majority of their day below the surface of the water and just come to the surface to breathe. Though these whales can stay down for as long as 45 minutes, their average dive time is about 10 minutes.

We can hear the whales "song" on hydrophones from Maui's whale watch boats. Remarkably, all male whales will sing the exact same, but very complex, song at the beginning of the whale season and this song will change in the same way for all of them as the season progresses. The next years song will begin where this year's song left off.

No one really knows exactly why the Humpback whales sing these songs or what they mean.

Why Maui is the undisputed best location to see whales in Hawaii.

Whale watching tours abound on Maui! In fact Maui is the undisputable epicenter for whale watching tours in Hawaii.

Maui and its surrounding islands of Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe are actually the very top of one mammoth underwater volcano and just at the very peak of this mountain are the various islands delineated by shallow waterways which separate each of the islands.

These channels between islands provide shallow and warm waters for the Humpback Whales to enjoy after their long and arduous journey each year from Alaska and Canada.

The Lahaina Roadstead area and Maalaea Bay are something akin to a resort to these amazing whales.

Rather than spending all day pressing on in their incredible marathon swims from Alaska or spending all day searching out food in their home environment they instead spend their days lounging in these protected waters slowly swimming about in pods, going through the mating rituals as they court one another and giving birth to whales that were conceived the previous year.

This yearly visit proves to be a blessing for us as we are able to observe them in their relaxed state on one of our many whale watch cruises.

Our whale watch tours are truly the apex of our boating season as visitors wait with anticipation to be able to arrive this time of year to observe this spectacle on one of our whale watching vessels.

Throughout the year we are barraged by questions as to the exact time the Maui whale season begins and ends so people can plan to arrive at a time when a whale watch cruise will be available for them.

Maui's whale watches depart dozens of times during each day during the winter whale season to view the spectacular Humpback Whale.

Pride of America Cruise Ship:The Maui Whale Watching Tours will not pick up at the cruise boat pier but these seasonal whale excursions can be reached via a Rent-A-Car that can be arranged through Tom Barefoot's Tours and you can be picked up by the Rent-A-Car shuttles right at the cruise ship dock. These Whale Watch Tours are available on the Sunday and Monday of your Maui cruise itinerary..

Look for this symbol in the tour descriptions below to indicate if it is Pride of America compatible.

Whale Watching Tours Sorted by Specific Tour

We sell tickets to 75 items in the category Whale Watching Tours on Maui.

Enjoy an afternoon adventure of whale watching from an eye level perspective. You will be able to view the whales on both the port and starboard sides comfortably from your seat. An on board naturalist

This four hour tour along the shores of Olowalu and into the channel to look for North Pacific Humpback Whales is followed by a snorkel with Green Sea Turtles. An hour longer than the regular tours means

Choose this set of tours to marvel at Maui's unique underwater paradise and watch for it's special visitors the Humpback Whales, in their winter habitat. Two amazing experiences above and below the sea!
Submarine

This trip is ideal for those who wish to limit their time on the water. Enjoy some whale watching and have the opportunity to snorkel at Molokini before departing to look for some more humpback whales.

Search for whales off the southern coast of Maui. This trip goes on a zodiac style raft, a small, fast and maneuverable craft that allows for quick travel times to the whale pods, as well as an exciting

Take a whale watch with Captain Steve to see, hear and learn about Maui's most famous visitors, the humpback whales. Cruise in the waters off Lahaina in a fast and comfortable Raiv boat that is equipped

Maui is blessed to have a very special species of mammals migrate here from mid December to mid April. The Hawaiian Humpback whales travel all the way to Maui, from Alaska to mate and give birth in the

This tour is a great value, two for one special on two hours of whale watching with expert narration by captain and crew. Guaranteed whale sightings. December to mid April book this incredible opportunity

Book a two hour whale watch along the incredible Maui coast! Enjoy the scenic views from your ocean lookout on the Calypso. This boat has three decks boasting opportunities to see whales from way up high

Gemini offers a morning whale watch that includes a continental breakfast and professional marine naturalists sharing their knowledge about the whales while you listen to their songs on hydrophones. Over

Gemini offers a late afternoon whale watch that includes hot and cold appetizers and a complimentary bar. Professional marine naturalists will share their knowledge about the whales while you listen to

Arrival of the humpback whales is a highly anticipated event here in Maui. This tour will paddle out from Makena on Maui's south side. The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Molokai, Lana'i

Getting time to highly anticipate the arrival of the humpback whales here in Maui. This tour will paddle out from Olowalu on Maui's west side. The waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands of Maui, Molokai,

Experience the thrill with one of our 2 hour whale watching cruises on Maui. This educational and informative adventure is great fun for the entire family and offers spectacular sightseeing and photo opportunities.

Design your own custom whale watch for your private party. Every year during the winter months of December through April the humpback whales return to the warm Hawaiian waters for their mating and calving

This three hour sunset dinner cruise offers whale watching with informal narration and hydrophones that are hooked up to the surround sound stereo system for your listening pleasure. Hula Girl is a beautiful

The waters surrounding Maui are known for being some of the best for Pacific Humpback Whale watching, because of the shallower depths of the water between Maui and Lanai, Molokai, and Kaho'olawe, the whales

Every year, thousands of Humpback Whales migrate from cold Alaskan waters to spend the winter in warm Hawaii. Kohola is the Hawaiian name for these magnificent creatures of the sea. Many Kohola are born

Guests can book a private adventure on the 37' Kainalu powerboat for groups up to 24 for options like snorkeling, whale watching, dolphin tours, at sea memorials, bottom fishing or just to catch the sunset!

Take a two hour cruise departing from South Maui to view the humpback whales as they frolic in their breeding grounds in the crystal clear waters off of Makena and Ma'alaea Bay. Snacks and beverages will

This two hour fully narrated whale watch will include complimentary soft drinks, binoculars and whale watch guide. A Marine Biologist will share knowledge of our Humpback Whales and lower hydrophones into

Choose this 2 hour whale watch during the months of January through April and view the habits of the Hawaiian Humpback whales on a smaller vessel with smaller groups. This tour provides guests with a closer

With NOAA's Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary located right in Kihei, whale watching is the best in the world in Maalaea Bay. Every year the same whale community commutes from Alaska

During the months of November through May don't miss this awe-inspiring eagle's view of the entire ocean. From an aerial perspective, whale watching takes on a new meaning. If you share a passion for these

Experience the thrill of whale on a raft on this eco tour offered by Pacific Whale Foundation. Cruise from Lahaina Harbor on Ocean Journey a 34 foot raft that offers excellent viewing of scenery and whales.

Learn firsthand what it is like to be a whale researcher during this special offering with Pacific Whale Foundation's researchers and marine biologists. Your morning begins with a complimentary continental

Experience the ocean bathed in the golden hues of sunrise! A favorite of photographers and sightseers. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you go again free. All of the features of the regular whale watch

Enjoy a ride on the first boat out of the Maalaea Harbor in the golden hours of dawn. Experience the ocean bathed in the golden hues of sunrise! A favorite of photographers and sightseers. This is an exceptional

What could be more fun than dancing on the bow of a boat to live island-style music and pop/rock favorites by Maui recording artist Eric Gilliom. This open-air dance party at sea is a great multi-generational

Come aboard for an informative and fun two hour whale-watch led by a team of certified marine naturalists and marine biologist, who explain and interpret the social behavior of humpback whales. Although

Come aboard for this special three-hour informative and fun whale watch led by a team of Pacific Whale Foundation's certified Marine Naturalists and marine biologist, who explain and interpret the social

Maui is a special place to see the humpback whales. Feel the wind and "sail" with these gentle giants. Each year they migrate from Alaska to make Hawaii their home. The Au'au channel off the coast of Maui

Be treated to a relaxing three hour cruise, an hour of snorkel time and two hours of an educational and exhilarating whale watching experience with commentary by a certified whale naturalists with vast

Enjoy your humpback whale watch in private on Privacy. Cruise the protected waters off of Ka'anapali and Lahaina, where the best whale watching in the Hawaiian islands is found. Marine Naturalist guide

This is a two Hour Whale Watch where guests get to view Maui's favorite winter visitors. Get out on the sea for an adventure with these graceful mammals. Whale sighting guaranteed or go again for free.

Get spectacular views of the humpback whales from the deck of the Scotch Mist sailing yacht. Listen to the whales songs live through underwater microphones (hydrophones) while aboard. See the grace and

Sunsets at sea, a premier sailing experience! Each night is different and unique. While you take in views of Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Kahoolawe Chef Joey will delight you with appetizers "pupus" prepared

Enjoy a 3 hour excursion at sea on a 51 foot catamaran for a premier sailing experience! Each day boasts a unique view of coastlines and sea life. Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins make a playground here.

Although you can observe these gentle giants from the shore - the best way to really get up close and personal with the whales is on a private chartered whale watch. The most common whale sightings include

This is a kayak whale watching tour. Imagine the thrill of paddling along the calm ocean waters when all of a sudden a whale explodes from the water, breaching only a hundred yards away. This exhilarating

Enjoy a 2 hour afternoon whale watch with Teralani. Enjoy snacks, beverages and an open bar. Ride a spacious catamaran and see these serene giants and the beautiful surrounding scenery. The tour features

Enjoy a two hour early morning whale watch with Teralani. On board a spacious catamaran is a great way to experience these gentle giants and the surrounding scenery. Yhe naturalist will answer your questions

Delight in this amazing two hour whale watch leaving from Kaanapali. You start off a little wet as you load directly from the beach through the surf onto the boat! Aboard this catamaran Trilogy naturalist

Leave from Maalaea for this amazing two hour whale watch! Trilogy is dedicated to sharing accurate information about the endangered humpback whale and its habitat with guests through on-board naturalists.

Enjoy this amazing two hour whale watch leaving from Lahaina! Trilogy is dedicated to sharing accurate information about the endangered humpback whale and its habitat with guests through on-board naturalists.

Choose this Maalaea Sunset Sail which is a Whale Watch during the winter months on Maui! Sunset boasts the most magnificent scenic veiws of both land and sea combined with the thrill of seeing Hawaiian

This trip specializes in close encounters. High speed ocean rafts provide small groups an intimate environment to experience these gentle giants up close and personal. Join a certified marine naturalist

Customize your charter to fit your desires. Enjoy fishing, snorkeling, and sightseeing, or whale watching when in season. Snack or meal is included. You can choose to go to Lana'i, Molokini, La Perouse

Whale Watching Tours Sorted by Company

If you're longing for some ocean adventure on the high seas Captain Steve's Rafting departing off the West Maui Coast may be an excellent choice for you. Specializing in taking small groups, you'll be treated to extra attention from the captain and you will be encouraged to ask questions. He offers full and half-day tours to Lanai and fabulous whale watches during whale season. More Info / Buy Now

Hawaii Ocean Rafting has been operating in the waters surrounding Maui and Lanai for many years. They offer personalized snorkel and marine life excursions departing from Lahaina Harbor on hard-bottom inflatable rafts similar to zodiacs. These adventure touring vessels are fast and maneuverable and you have a great likelihood of seeing whales, dolphins and other marine life up close and personal. More Info / Buy Now

If adventure is in your blood and want to have an exciting snorkel experience you might be interested in joining Blue Water Rafting for one of their exciting snorkel tours to Molokini or to the remote and pristine Kanaio area of the island. Whale watch tours are also available during the winter season. More Info / Buy Now

Gemini Charters offers sailing tours that depart off of Kaanapali Beach and has done so for over 30 years. They offer multiple tours which include a sail and snorkel up the coast to Honolua Bay when weather permits, a delightful champagne sunset sail and whale watching tours in season. Their seaworthy 64' Sea Runner Sailing Catamaran is an excellent choice for a real sail. More Info / Buy Now

You would be 'hard pressed' to find a more beautiful sailboat on Maui to take out on a snorkel sail, whale watch, dinner or sunset sail or a private charter. This multimillion dollar state of the art 65'x35', 90' wing mast sailing catamaran is designed for sailing and for maximum comfort. In addition it comes with its own full galley and private chef so all your meals will be prepared custom just for you. More Info / Buy Now

Certainly one of the very fastest boats found in the islands is the 47' customized sailing catamaran, Paragon. Paragon Sailing Charters offers a number of choices for boat tours ranging from morning sails to Molokini; Day Trips to Lanai; Sunset Sails; and Performance Sails. More Info / Buy Now

The Pride of Maui is one of the largest and most stable power catamarans available in Maui's fleet of boats. Leaving from Maalaea Harbor the 'Pride' offers tours to Molokini in the mornings but will also operate beautiful sunset cruises a few times a week and in addition will provide one of the most comfortable boats for whale watching in the winter months. More Info / Buy Now

If you're staying on the south shore of Maui in the Kihei area, Wailea or Makena a really good choice for a snorkeling tour would be on the 65' sailing catamaran "Kai Kanani". This boat was built in 2007 and is a state of the art custom motorized sailboat. The location of the departure point for this boat is one of the very best because it is located just off the coast of Molokini, perhaps a short fifteen minute ride away. More Info / Buy Now

On Maui, 'rafting' equates with adventure, and Maui Adventure Cruises has just about all the adventure you could want. Speeding rigid hull inflatables varying in length from 34' to 49' whisk their way from Maui over the channel to Lanai. Maui Adventure Cruises comb the shoreline looking for great snorkel spots, playing with the dolphin population, snorkeling, and viewing the whales. More Info / Buy Now

The 65' sailing catamarans of Teralani Charters offer snorkel sails along the West Coast of Maui as far up as Honolua Bay, offer dinner cruises leaving off the white sands of Kaanapali Beach and offer spectacular whale watches during the winter months. Sailing will generally be a part of all cruises, weather permitting, and the stiff afternoon winds off the western shores usually provide some adventure and excitement. Evenings cruises however usually just have a gentle breeze. More Info / Buy Now

The Pacific Whale Foundation is one of the main companies we have on island that goes out in search of the whales during the winter months. In addition, throughout the year they also offer boat tours to snorkel at Molokini, dolphin watches that look for dolphins and snorkel off the coast of Lanai and have rigid hull inflatable tours that visit the back side of Lanai. More Info / Buy Now

One of the most popular and respected boating companies on Maui is the Trilogy which has been in operation here since 1973. Though being a large company now, operating six or so 50' range sailing catamarans, they are still the family owned operation that was begun by Eldon Coon and his two sons, Jim and Randy. Today they offer sailing tours to Lanai, Molokini, the West Coast of Maui and an assortment of shorter sunset and sailing options and whale watches. More Info / Buy Now

Aloha Blue Charters is unique in that it provides a 40' jet drive boat for use as a snorkel boat to Molokini and surrounding Maui snorkel locations but also is an ideal vessel for bottom fishing excursions and is also used for whale watching during whale season. It carries a maximum of 35 passengers on its snorkeling tours and has enough room on board for its fishing trips to allow for 10 separate anglers. More Info / Buy Now

Sea Maui is a beautiful 51 foot power, sailing catamaran that departs out of Kaanapali Beach. They offer a trade-wind sail every afternoon, a sunset sail in the evening and snorkel trips in the morning. Food is specially provided by renowned Chef Joey Macadangdang the former corporate executive chef of Roy's Kitchen. More Info / Buy Now

Ultimate Rafting offers very exciting trips for snorkeling and whale watching off of the island of Lanai and the coast of Maui on their thirty-foot aluminum hulled rafts with inflatable surround. The engines on this boat are enormous, cranking out 400 horsepower that will get you there quick. Dolphins are commonly seen year round as are the Humpback whales during the winter months. More Info / Buy Now

The environmentally conscious Hawaii Ocean Project operates a number of tours out of the West Side of Maui port of Lahaina Harbor. Their touring options include day tours and ferry trips between Maui and Molokai, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, snorkeling tours to Lanai and whale watches. Marine naturalists will be on board to explain the marine life and ecological education is the underlying foundation of all its activities. More Info / Buy Now

The charter boat company Boss Frog's is also known by the name Frogman Charters and it operates Molokini tours, whale watches, sunset sails and dinner cruises from it departure point of Maalaea Harbor. It's two main boats are the 55' power catamaran Malolo and the 55' power catamaran Quicksilver. More Info / Buy Now

The one of a kind, luxury catamaran Alii Nui departs from Maui's Maalaea Harbor and offers a variety of sail options which include Molokini snorkel tours, sunset sails, dinner sails and whale watches. All the specialty details have been included on all its tours to provide a privileged ocean experience. Snorkel tours include hot showers on board and large terry beach towels for your personal use. Dinner cruises are limited to 32 guests and even complementary pick-up is included on its whale watches. More Info / Buy Now

Atlantis Adventures will provide you with an opportunity to dive in absolute comfort in a 'state of the art', window filled submarine to a depth of about 100' for about forty minutes. Very spacious and air-conditioned these vessels hold just under fifty passengers as they are taken on one of the most unique rides of their lifetime. More Info / Buy Now

Maui Diamond Sea Sports offers dive and snorkel charters for the whole family. Their primary destination is the island of Molokini which is a smooth ride from its dock at Maalaea Harbor on the stable 40' dive boat with twin engines, Maui Diamond ll. Unlike most dive boats they provide room for snorkelers and 'ride-along passengers' so you can have the most experienced scuba diver on the same boat with non-divers who just want to go for the ride. More Info / Buy Now

Are you looking to go snorkeling from a kayak on your vacation to Maui? Maui Kayaks offers a variety of kayaking excursions departing from locations all over the island. They offer trips that are suited for all skill levels, from mellow first timer outings to strenuous advanced trips that will cover miles of distance. More Info / Buy Now

Privacy features a large air conditioned cabin with a couch seating for 3 guests, table seating for four, or sit in either of the two captains chairs at the lower helm station. Further forward there is a large clean restroom on the port side, and stateroom with a queen size bed on starboard side. More Info / Buy Now

Excitement is the order of the day on one of Redline Rafting's adventurous snorkel tours to the remote Kanaio Coastline and La Perouse Bay area on Maui's 'backside'. Their powerful and comfortable 35' ocean raft will next take you to visit Molokini Crater to snorkel the 'bowl' but also usually the 'wall' on its opposite side. Dolphins are frequently a big feature of these tours as are the whales in season. More Info / Buy Now

The Scotch Mist is a 50' Santa Cruz Sailing Yacht which carries 18 passengers and offers sailing and snorkel charters off the coast of Maui. Having been the winner of the coveted Victoria to Maui Yacht Race in 1984, this vessel is a perfect choice to enjoy the waters off the coast of Maui and Lanai. She offers sailing and snorkel tours, sunset sails, trade wind sails and whale watching in season. More Info / Buy Now

One of the oldest and most seasoned of the Maui kayak touring companies is South Pacific Kayaks. Their list of kayak tour options is larger than most as they extend from Makena and La Perouse Bay on the south side to Honolua Bay on the north-west end of Maui and they even offer whale watch tours from kayaks. In addition they also offer surfing lessons as well as the popular Stand-Up Paddle lessons. More Info / Buy Now

If you're like many people you won't want to share your fantastic Maui ocean experience with others but would prefer to make it a day for just your own family or perhaps just for you and a couple other friends. The Wailea Boating Company may just be the boat for you as you'll be able to discuss the itinerary of your boating adventure with your captain and go off and enjoy the day. The 36', six passenger vessel is clean and comfortable. More Info / Buy Now

Wake Maui will provide you with some real fun and excitement on the ocean. Specializing in groups of 6 or less, this wake board pulled by a boat provides just about all the fun anyone can handle. It's easy to learn, and the personalized attention by the captain will make it all that more simple. The fact that these tours are often private for your family and friends, makes it even that much more enjoyable. More Info / Buy Now

The Cinderella is a 51 foot customized Peterson sailing yacht. They do private and some shared charters on this ship, taking small groups of up to six passengers. Enjoy private snorkel sails, performance sails, whale watching or sunset sails. There are a variety of snorkeling destinations that are within a quick sail from their slip at Maalaea Harbor. More Info / Buy Now

Her modern yacht shape, spacious interior, and blue water sailing capabilities make her the perfect Hawaii sailing charter boat. She is also available for Memorials at Sea or Ash Scattering Services and special requests. More Info / Buy Now

Experience and relive a part of Hawaiian History as your cultural guides teach you traditional chants (oli), ancient myths, legends and historical facts. In honoring the wisdom and knowledge passed on by generations from ancestors. Offered daily Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Tours depart from Wailea Beach in South Maui. More Info / Buy Now

Kaha Loa is a 26-foot Glacier Bay power catamaran, perfect for cruising the waters around Lahaina and Maui. This boat features a shaded canopy top, an onboard marine head, fresh water shower, a full-feature stereo (feel free to bring your own music and we play it for you) a swim platform with ladder. There is plenty of seating on this boat, capable of carrying up to 10 guests, we only take a maximum of 6 guests in the interest of your comfort. The forward bow seating area is a very popular feature and this boat will reach speeds up to 28 knots, depending on ocean conditions. More Info / Buy Now

Maui Ocean Sports is conveniently located on Front Street in Lahaina and offers Kayak adventures - Whale Watching and Snorkel tours in the winter months and SUP Stand Up Paddle lessons. More Info / Buy Now

Aloha Kayak Maui is one of Maui's premier ocean activity providers. With years of ocean kayak and snorkel experience offering PRIVATE or GROUP kayak tours, whale watching, and Maui snorkeling. More Info / Buy Now

Maka Koa is a 48 foot Custom Pro dive boat with twin jet powered engines, 25 knot cruising speed. It offers fresh water shower, personal storage, shaded cabin, dive platform, bathrooms(2), and swim steps. She can also accommodate up to 20 divers and is certified for 49 passengers so there is plenty of room. More Info / Buy Now

Maui Plane Rides offers you and your close friends and family the opportunity to have an aerial view of Maui and surrounding areas with a pilot that is also an instructor enabling you to actually put your hands on the controls and feel the excitement of flying. More Info / Buy Now

Video Transcript

If you're looking to do some whale watching in Hawaii, the island of Maui is probably the single best place that you can go to see them.

The whales as you may know, they visit here annually. They come from the north, they come from Alaska, they come from Canada. The humpback whales are the ones that we're referring to. Their main home is up north but once a year they make this incredible passage all the way across the Pacific, over 2,000 miles and they find the Hawaiian Islands. They cruise the Hawaiian Islands. They go to all of the different islands but generally speaking they end up on Maui or in Maui County in the channels between the islands here.

They're pretty remarkable, this entire travel that they have. The entire time that they're gone they don't eat. They eat krill up in the north but all the way here they don't eat anything, and the entire time they're in Hawaii they don't eat either. It's not until they return later to Alaska that they actually eat again. Essentially they're coming here kind of like a vacation. They come here to mate and to calve, and just generally seem like they cavort about and lazily enjoy themselves, wandering about in pods throughout the islands. They can be readily seen on all days of the winter.

They're here primarily, the big timing is between December 15th and May 15th. Really the bulk of them are here in January, February, March, late December but really January, February, March. Some of them get here early. Some of them are, the first ones are usually spotted oftentimes in September. The last ones are leaving in May. Most of them moved out by then, but the big whale season is really that January, February, March area although you can see whales in April and in May, and you can see them in December but they're on the outskirts of the scale.

This is where they come and they're wonderful to see, and we have many boats that go out to see them. The boats that we have, and let me show you a picture here. This is Maui County. The majority of boats we have will be leaving from either Lahaina or Mala right next door here, or Kaanapali, this coastline, or from Maalaea Harbor. These are the main places that we have to go out looking for whales.

These are the channels and the channels are very shallow, about 110 feet in this channel, maybe 600 feet in here. All the water around here goes down thousands of feet. I think that possibly they may like the notion of being in a narrow channel, not narrow but shallow channel, and that's why they end up at Maui County. I don't know that anyone really knows. I know that whales are in all the islands. You can find them. They found whales that have been on the Big Island here and then two weeks later the same whale showed up here on Kauai. They do travel. I don't know if they all necessarily come back to the same islands, that they have their favorite spots. But if you do a count, generally speaking it's going to be more in Maui County than on the other islands. So you're fortunate to be on Maui during whale season to go out to see these incredible animals.

We have many different types of boats that go out. Generally they're going to be just a couple-hour tours, these whale watches, and the Type of Boat that you would be interested in is really based on your preference. A lot of people like the larger boats. They're more stable in the water. Some of them are two levels so from up on the top, you've got little more of an observation of the whales, a little bit more perspective. So those are popular.

But we also have the smaller boats like the Radons, the Zodiacs, boats that are very fast and maneuverable and carry smaller groups of people. These are a little more adventurous. They get around quicker through the channels. In some ways that can be important because the idea is you're going out, you don't know exactly necessarily know where the pods, they travel in pods, of numbers of whales, you don't know where the pods are going to be. You get out there, you may know where they were last time you were out. They may still be there but things will change, and so you get there and you're looking for the whales. The idea is when you see them, you want to get over to them. The faster you can get to them, the better off it's going to be because you're going to have more time observing the whales.

You're not going to be able to get right on them. That is not permissible. We want to leave the whales alone, allow them to have their space but we can get within 100 yards and then just stop and then really get a good view of them. A lot of times what happens though is the boats are not allowed to get close to the whales but the whales don't have any problem sometimes just coming right up to the boats. They do it all the time and you can sometimes be just, oh my gosh, you're just right off the bow of the boat or the stern or they're going underneath the boat. It is amazing to see these incredible whales.

A lot of times they'll be docile but other times they're out there doing their breaches where they just go high up into the air, come down and slap the ocean. A lot of theories I guess on why they do that exactly. Sometimes actually you can witness really aggressive tendencies in these pods where there seems to be fighting and so on among the males. Then you're going to come across pods that have the little babies that are just so beautiful and so cute.

So you never know what you're going to see out there but it is one of the spectacles that Maui is famous for. If you're coming to Maui, you definitely should consider doing a whale watch because they're just the best.

So if you have any questions about Tours or Activities in Hawaii, just give us a call or check out tombarefoot.com. We're here to help.

The months of December through May are a wonderful time to visit Kauai because the whales are here. These magnificent creatures spend their Winters in the waters off Kauai to breed and to bare their young.

The whale watching season is usually under way by the 15th of December and usually lasts through Easter. The best way to observe humpback whales, is by taking one of the many whale watching tours on one of a variety of whale watch boats off the coast of Oahu.

Unlike other locations in Hawaii, the Big Island of Hawaii is not only the seasonal home for the famous Humpback whales but is also home year round to a selection of Sperm whales, Pilot whales, Pygmy Killer whales, the Melon Headed whales and the rare Beaked whales.